http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 shuns England on Day 3 at Perth
The Australians can sense the leveling off in the series that will keep the Ashes intact. The outstanding batting performance followed by an equal bowling rip off, has set the kangaroos on the track. Michael Hussey’s phenomenal knock of 116 runs has been backed
up by the Aussie pacers in style, grabbing five quick wickets before the end of days play in Perth.
Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris bombarded the English ranks with some fiery bowling in the last five minutes of the play, bagging one wicket each to leave the visitors stumbling at 81 for 5. The assiduous Ben Hilfenhaus was finally rewarded in the form
of the most important wicket of the England innings. Kevin Pietersen was drawn into a poor shot by the out swinger from Hilfenhaus, the bat taking the edge and landing in the safe hands of Brad Haddin. Pietersen went off disturbed and furious at himself, while
the Aussies celebrated in the middle.
The final moments of the game brought maximum damage to the stumbling England. Jonathan Trott, who was looking confident on the pitch, edged one off Johnson to Ricky Ponting. The Australian skipper could not hold on to the catch for a moment, but Brad Haddin
came to the rescue, completing the claim on wicket. Trott was removed for an individual contribution of 31. The drama did not end here. James Anderson was sent on the field to play a night watch-man’s role. But it was the wicket of Paul Collingwood that bewildered
and stunned the English camp. Ryan Harris claimed his victim on the last ball of the day.
Hussey and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 were the major operators of the Aussie innings, who let their side, post a strong total. Although Watson fell five runs short in scoring a ton, Hussey made sure that he compensates for the misfortune. The 113 runs partnership between Hussey
and Watson led the Australians to believe that there is a vital chance to add one to their favor. But the English staged a comeback and prevented the lead from passing the 390 runs mark.
With five wickets in the hutch, the Aussies are confident that the fourth day will be the final day at Perth. They can sense that the victory is near. And that the Ashes will see a result that is balanced again. But one will have to wait and watch.
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